Saturday, May 31, 2008

The priests came to me because there was a strange, rainbow-hued gateway in one of the gardens. Several of the Poisonous Ones had cordoned off the area, but they weren't sure what to do next. I went to investigate.

The gateway seemed to lead to some sort of artist's studio. I could see a young man, a painter, working on the other side. The finished works I could see were mostly pedestrian, but a couple of the pieces interested me. What really caught my eye, however, was that one of the paintings, half-finished, and lying discarded, seemed to be of me.

I decided it was worth the risk to investigate further, and stepped through, following two of my guards. The other two followed behind me. Stepping through the gateway, we were in the studio itself. The Artist was surprised, and seemed scared. He had a half crazed look in his eyes, and a confused tone to his voice.

As I looked around the studio further, I saw pictures of others I knew...Aimery, Ogmundr...and several portraits that might have been more Visitors. I asked him about the portraits, and he said that he saw them in his dreams. After a wild rant about something called the "go-lem," and fate, I told him to take me to see the world that he lived in.

He took me to a club, where the musicians played an enchanting melody on flutes, and drums, and trumpets, and some thing called a "piano." The singer was breathy and coarse, and spoke of licentiousness and vice. It was captivating, and I ordered him to get some recordings for me. At first he tried to say he would get them in the morning. This was not adequate, and I told him so. He immediately ran off to get them.

Or should I say...ran off. I got bored waiting at the club, and explored the city somewhat, eventually returning to his rooms. The gate I had taken to get to this place was gone. As morning neared, he had still not returned. I had my guards prepare me somewhere to sleep, and napped for a bit. When I awoke...still gone. This did not please me, so I had my guards bring me one of his neighbors to question. The man was no use, and I soon turned to using my children to track him down.

It took hours, but one found him on a train. I prepared my magics, and brought him before me. He was shocked, and immediately began trying to make excuses for his actions. He was lucky I did not show my displeasure, but I still needed him to make my gate back home.

He tried several times, but could not make the gate. Just as I was getting to the end of my vast reservoir of patience, a landing craft from my lands set down outside. I ordered him to gather his things, and took him aboard the craft, back to my ship.

This one had skills that would be useful, even if neither of us knew the extent of them then.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

[File Archive - One hundred and twelfth year of the Reign of Our Lady, Zesiro - 01:37 PM local time, Throne Room, Palace of the Sands, Ineb-Hedj]

Two snake-headed men lead another man across the room, towards the throne. The stranger, dressed in torn leather clothes, seems almost half machine, as his left arm and right leg are obviously metal, and in place of his right eye sits a glowing red orb. Despite his obvious wounds and beaten appearance, he is smiling as the snake-men push him onward. Four other snake-headed men follow behind, carrying a motorcycle.

[Zesiro's voice begins.] A strange beginning with an even stranger ending. While I thought that I might someday choose a consort, I did not expect him to come hurtling through the dome, and practically land at my feet. I had ordered the ship to follow a shadow-pathway, and we emerged in the midst of a battle, although the combatants were but mosquitoes to us. A dome breach is not completely unheard of, but because of the battle, I sent the Poisonous Ones to investigate. They then brought the prisoner to me.

Zesiro speaks, "Who are you, that dare invade the realm of the Firstborn?"

The stranger smiled. "I am Ogmundr the Usurper. And the only invasion I saw was you filching me from the realm of death. Which you have my thanks." He stands, unflinching, smirk growing wider. "I would bow, but I am unfamiliar with your customs, Firstborn."

"Most grovel before me, praying they do not invoke my wrath. The Wrath of a Goddess can be most terrible." She stands and walks down towards him, looking him over. The Golden Scorpion, ever present on her royal brow, hisses and clacks its front claws together.

"I should make things understood. Gods in my former world are myths, but jokes told like wayward lovers and lost farts. I will allow you more respect than such." He stays at attention, eying the scorpion.

Why is it that I am continually visited by the godless? Are there no other gods than I?

"Jokes? Your gods must indeed be dead to stand for such insolence."

"There have been none since the Destruction has fallen. And as such, I am insolent and in your service. What would you have of me? I should point out that I am called The Usurper. Keep me alive and I will try to destroy you. Destroy me and you will not know my true worth."

A challenge. I knew from the beginning this one would prove to be special.

"Tell me, what use would you be to me, that I should not return you to the arms of Osiris? As for my destruction...you may try all you wish, but I am Immortal."

"So am I. The Metal Gods knelt before me. As I, apparently, stand before you, wielder of my death. I should point out that your snake-headed, though potent, have not been trained truly...They have not the common knowledge of flank and skill and rely merely on poison, which is a potent beast. But two hands of poison will not pierce those that wear true metal. Only blade and skill. Both of which I can provide." He pauses, "Also, I appear to have gone a bit mad and am not entirely sure of your existence."

"So you would teach my Army? And what would you want in return, besides your life?"

He arches an eyebrow. "Nothing. Because then we would be equal."

No one yet has dared to think themselves my equal...except the other Visitors.

She laughs. "Equal?"

"Fine, slay me on the spot. You have given me life. You may give me death."

He was too valuable to die...and I thought he might be a Visitor as well.

"Death or Equality? Those are your only two choices? I do not see you as my equal...yet. Perhaps you may show yourself to also be a God."

"I have defeated Gods with my Hordes. I can defeat more with your army. My only request is Equality. I died when you saved me. The choice should be easy. Wipe me from existence or rule the cosmos."

She turns and walks back to the throne. "Come and stand beside me, at the head of my Armies, and you may have your equality."

The Poisonous Ones suddenly take an aggressive stance, then strike! Ogmundr brings up his metal arm and it expand into a shield, protecting him from the sudden bursts of poisonous spittle that rain at him. Drawing a sword of light he swings and beheads the snake-man next to him and in the same stroke guts one of the men behind him.

The motorcycle suddenly shifts into a vicious panther. It tears out the throat of one snake as it falls to the ground, then launches itself at another, tearing its throat out with its massive fangs. Ogmundr, taking advantage of the confusion, drives his elbow into the back of the second snake man beside him, and with a loud crack, the creature collapses. The remaining creatures move to a more aggressive stance and launch more attacks, as Ogmundr speaks, "It's your people you're losing.," but Zesiro seems unphased.

My people were worth expending if it would show him to be a Visitor.

A toad man leaps at Ogmundr, but the panther intervenes. At the last second, he seems to realize toad man is covered in poison, so he returns to his metallic, vehicular form, and with a great crash, they fall to the ground

Ogmundr reaches toward the queen and his hand fires from his arm. The four scorpion men surrounding her suddenly burst apart into hundreds of scorpions and fall over her like a protective blanket. The other scorpion head dives to intercept it, and the hand latches around its throat. Before the toad can recover, Ogmundr splits it open and beheads one of the other cobras in a single swing, crying out in triumph.

The panther returns to its feline form, and leaps at the last remaining snake, ripping out its throat but not before it lands a glob of poisonous spittle in Ogmundr's eyes. The scorpion man, clutching at the hand on his throat, falls apart into a small hoard of scorpions, heading over toward Ogmundr. He dives toward the place he is to stand, but is tripped at the last second by the last snake man. The swarm of scorpions washes over him, but can find only metal to strike. The panther strikes at the scorpions but neither he, Ogmundr's crushing hand, or his sword of light can seem to penetrate the carapace of the scorpions. The snake man dives on the prone Ogmundr and bites deep into his shoulder. The panther, in fear for its master, latches on to the back of the snake man's neck and decapitates it with a great tearing. Ogmundr, now under the weight of the scorpions, drags himself onto the place to stand, struggling to his feet as he cries out, "EQUAL?!"

The scorpions drop away and Zesiro motions for a chair to be brought. Ogmundr stands next to the chair, wiping himself off.

Zesiro speaks. "Your coronation will be in a few days."

Ogmundr smiles. "And where are my items back?" She motions to a servant, and they bring his sword back to him. "Good, you savages heard of Ann-Tee-Dote?"

As he says that, Ogmundr seems to almost slip into unconsciousness. Zesiro walks over to him, breathes a word of obvious power over him, and he begins to recover. She then motions to several servants, who lead him away.

Ogmundr smiles as he looks back at the Queen. "I believe not your Gods, but I would have haunted the living shit out of you." He looks over Zesiro again. "Equals. I have destroyed bigger worlds than this," then, turning back to the servants. "You first." They lead him away from the throne room.

I performed the Rite of Purification that night, to cure him of the deadly venom of my children that coursed through his veins. Thankfully, he was also bathed in the process. Not what I had ever imagined as a consort...but if he is a great a teacher as a fighter or a braggart, we can do great things together.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Monday, May 26, 2008

[File Archive - One hundred and second year of the Reign of Our Lady, Zesiro - 06:32 PM local time, Ineb-Hedj]

A man dressed in bright red and yellow, riding down the main street on a white horse, metal armor glinting in the sunlight. He stops to speak to no one. Several peasants and small children watch him as he rides by, quickly scurrying out of his way as he passes.

[A woman's voice begins to speak over the footage.] I was watching a troupe from Avaris dancing for my entertainment when the reports began to come in. I have traveled the length and breadth of my land, and this was not merely a visitor from another city. Perhaps this was a servant of the gods who had fled this place in times of legend.

[File Archive - One hundred and second year of the Reign of Our Lady, Zesiro - 08:05 PM local time, Throne Room, Palace of the Sands, Ineb-Hedj]

A woman sits upon a throne of gold and marble, with cotton and linen cushions, carved with intricate filigree. Several snakes and scorpions travel in and out of the carvings. She is dressed in pleated white linen robs and golden jewelry inlaid with lapis and other precious stones. Crook and Flail in hand, a magnificent golden scorpion seated upon her brow. Four men with the heads of scorpions surround the throne, their watchful gaze covering the courtyard.

The man from the earlier footage is led into the hall, accompanied by four men with the heads of snakes. He stands before the woman, fearless.

Surely he must have been from elsewhere. Even the bravest of my people would not stand before me with such bravado.

The woman speaks, "Welcome to the Floating Nile. What business have you with the Firstborn?"

His voice, steady, echoes through the chamber, "I am Aimery, Viscomte de Thouars, Knight of the Pattern, Servant of Siobhan II. I pass through your lands on a quest most holy. I am charged to find that which is called Le Joyau de Jugement, a holy relic of vast importance to my people."

"Tell me of your quest, and why it brings you here. What is this jewel? We have many here."

"Le Joyau is a symbol that was worn by the ruler of my home, before the coming of the great wars that laid it to rest. I am but one of a holy order seeking to restore the glory of my people and La Ville Premiere, The First City, Ambre. It is a ruby of immense size, hung from a golden chain. Inside is an intricate Pattern, the holy symbol of my people."

"The First City? There is no city called Ambre in these lands."

"I fear my religion will differ from yours; I warn you my story will be heresy to your ears. All cities, even this one, are a reflection of La Premiere, for it contained the Pattern, the source of order in all things."

"But this 'First City' was destroyed, and now you seek a Jewel that would make the bearer ruler of this lost city?"

This jewel intrigued me. Perhaps I could make something of this quest...little did I know what he was about to show me.

"It does not bestow rulership, but confirms birthright. The ruler must master Le Joyau to recreate La Premiere, and all the reflections thereof. Only one born of the blood of the great artiste will be able to wield it, or recreate Ambre."

"How did your quest come to bring you here?"

"Those of this lineage may walk the Pattern and the secrets of worlds are revealed. Then, with thought, they may seek what their heart desires, and all roads will lead them there, no matter how many worlds lay in their way."

"Interesting. So you come from a world outside of this one? Is this your destination, or merely a stop along the way?"

"I come from La Premiere, the center of existence before it was gone. My destination is Le Joyau, but I explore the possibilities that the Pattern places on the path to my destination. It may have brought me here for Le Joyau, news of its guardians, or a missing relative, or the next king or queen. I must decipher these omens as I travel."

"So, if you found this jewel, you do not know who would use it?"

"It is my quest to safeguard it, till the next ruler is found."

"And how do you find this ruler, then?"

"The pattern will guide us when it is time."

"So this pattern, it is your god?"

"Not a god, but the source of order, created by our first father."

"So then this First Father is your god?"

"I have no god. He is my ancestor, Dworkin, the first of our family. The one who created the Pattern."

"No god? Are you, yourself, a god then?" A man with no gods. Even now it still interests me.

"To many we are gods, but I do not seek for people to worship me. I merely go where Pattern or Pope send me."

"A strange man, with no gods, yet on a holy quest. Stay here this night, as my guest, and tell me more of your lands and this...Ambre."

"It would be my honor...Cousin."

I admit, this was something I was not expecting. Never had one been so bold as to claimed to be related to me.

"Cousin?"

"My vision passes through the lens of the Pattern, and it reveals to me that which is real," he waves an arm at the people surrounding them, "from that which is shadow. I am as sure that Dworkin's blood burns in you as I'm sure that the power of chaos is the source of your guards."

"Chaos? My guards bring order to this place."

I control the world-eater, Apep...although his influence grows stronger.

"There is order in chaos, and vice versa. Dworkin and his bride both arose from the primal chaos to create order. But these creatures come from the depths of chaos most assuredly. Someone there either wishes to protect you...or imprison you here."

"Imprison me?" She laughs. "I can leave this place any time I wish. I fly through the stars regularly."

"These stars perhaps, but your heritage allows you to travel farther." He looks up to the starry night shining over them. "You have seen these stars countless times before, I am sure. But, have you seen these?"

She watches as the patterns in the night sky begin to change. At first the changes are subtle...a new constellation, a brighter star. Then, the stars blink out completely, and the darkness of the sky changes from deep blue, to green, to a bright pink. Priests run to the woman, complaining of instruments going awry and sensors off the charts.

I had nothing to say to them, enthralled as I was by the changing skies. By the time I was able to form a coherent thought to answer them, the sky above had returned to normal.

She looks over Aimery for a moment, then claps her hands for her servants. "It is time for dinner. Bring it, and then leave us."

There was much I wanted to know about this man, who truly was from another world, but my people did not need to hear it. I was not entirely sure it would not undermine my authority.

Both the man and the woman wait, silently, as servants lay out a sumptuous meal. She is the first to speak again. "Tell me more of those other worlds."

"I cannot tell of all the worlds. For all is possible in the shadow of Ambre. If one seeks their desires, it will be found or created in shadow."

"If Ambre is destroyed, how does it cast a shadow?"

"The shadows remain, but they will not last if it is not restored. All that holds them together now are the powers of the Great Pattern Church,and Her Grace Pope Siobhan II."

I had to know what this could mean for my lands?

"Even this world?"

"Oui." He nods.

If this were true, I needed to act. To some, I may seem uncaring, but I have a responsibility to my people.

"And the only way to stop it is to find this Jewel, and give it to the King or Queen to recreate the city? And the Pattern will help you find both?"

"In essence."

"Then it seems I have no choice but to assist you. What aid can I offer?."

"A night's rest so that I might perform my holy observances is all I seek. I then intend to continue my path lest you have need of me."

I wanted to keep him for ages, and ask all my questions. But, I knew that could not be.

"I do not, but if there is other assistance I may offer, call upon me. I will have a servant take you to your chambers."

"My gratitude."

He retired, and I did not see him again until the morning meal, which he joined me for. During our meal, he told me more of the worlds apart from mine. That there were paths through these shadows even those not descended from this Dworkin could follow. That if I found them, and ifI was able to use them to find the Pattern, and if I managed to traverse it...then I would also be able to travel worlds as he did.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

What is her most obvious blessing or strength?Her great beauty and her powerful presence.What does she perceive as her greatest strength?Her ability to instill loyalty amongst her people.What is her most obvious flaw or weakness?She is quick to anger, and will lash out at the perceived source of her anger.What does she perceive as her greatest weakness?She might say she has none, but she is starting to realize that her quick temper may be a problem for her.

My first reaction was anger. I had not ordered the rains, or a storm. But it was soon apparent the storm was not a natural one. Even my anger, in its infinite majesty, could not rip the universe asunder.

Nonplussed, I molded myself into a cobra, and felt the warm sands of the desert embrace me as I made my way home. The arms of Geb did not comfort me, nor the soft touch of a lover. I lay in my bed for the rest of the evening, their silken scales gliding over my naked skin as I pined for the piece of myself I had lost.

As the sun crept into my chambers, I arose. I could not let this loss go unanswered. No one took from this Goddess that which I did not freely give. I would seek out one who knew of the travel between worlds, of the places where the shadows swirled, and where chaos lived. I would have answers. I would make myself whole once more.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Zesiro was raised as an orphan, and an only child. The priests raised her as a living Goddess. Her name translates as Firstborn of Twins, which would imply she had/has a sibling, but she doesn't know of any, and her people simply do not remember a time before her life.

Has she begun her own family?She doesn't have any children, and hasn't married, although has taken a consort from time to time.If not, does she ever want to have a family of her own someday? One day, she would like to pass on her legacy.What type of person would be her ideal mate? Her mate should be willing to stand up for himself, and not be intimidated by a strong, charismatic wife.What would you be willing to do to protect such a person? She would protect someone she truly loved with her life.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Where is her homeland?The Floating NileWhat are it's people like?In general, its people are easy going, peaceful, and productive.Is she aware of its history?In general, records of the time before her memory are hard to find, and most accounts of that period are treated as legends.What are her opinions of home?She loves her homeland, but in the last couple of years, has started to become a little bored.Where is her hometown?Her hometown is the royal city of Mennufer (the good city), also known as Ineb-Hedj (city of the white walls). It is located at the junction of the two halves of The Floating Nile.What was the area like and how did it affect her?The immediate area is almost completely occupied by the royal palace, government buildings, temples, and the men and women who serve as priests and government officials. Surrounding the city are the homes of the workers and farmers who support the city. As a result, she was insulated from the lives of the common people as she was growing up. In her early adulthood, she made some effort to learn more about their lives and livelihoods, but she still doesn't completely understand them.What was childhood like for her?She was raised as a goddess, not a normal human child. Her every whim and demand was met by servants and courtiers, and she was taught the legends of herself and her lands, and the true nature of The Floating Nile by the priesthood.Did she have any childhood friends?While she had a few playmates, she did not really have any childhood friends, as the children her age were awed by her divinity.What conflicts might arise from her past?Zesiro doesn't really have any memories beyond age eight or so, and has no memories of parents or other relatives. The history and legends of her people only speak of her being born from the sky. Her true parents, or other close relatives, might cause conflict should they make themselves known.How does she view the heroes/legends of her country?She tries to study them to get more information about her possible origins, although she is not a studious type, so the process is slow.

How old is she? 107How tall is she?5'10"How much does she weigh?150 lbs.What is her general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise?Tall, lithe, good bone structureWhat is her hairstyle?She has long, straight black hair she wears in a multitude of braids, or with headdresses.What is her eye colour?GoldHow attractive is she?She is a goddess.What is her most distinguishing feature?Her striking good looksDoes she have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks?She has a birthmark in the shape of a scorpion on her stomach above her right hip. She also has tattoos of asps around her upper arms and ankles. The tattoos were done in her early childhood, and are often intertwined with actual snakes.What is her handedness (left/right)?Left HandedWhat kind of clothing does she wear?She wears clothing of the finest linen, embroidered with intricate patterns and inlaided with gold and jewels. Her arms, hands, feet, and neck are adorned with layers of jewelry and ritual insignia, and she wears a headdress of gold with lapis lazuli and fiance inlays, topped by a large, golden scorpion.Does she wear makeup?Her eyes are made up with kohl, and she sometimes uses henna to mark patterns or designs on her exposed skin.What sort of vocal tone does she have?Her voice has a flowing, lyrical quality, although it is known to turn sharp when she is angered.Does she get sick?She has never been known to be ill or injured in her lifetime.

Give a two or three word description of your character. (Describe their concept.)Venomous Egyptian GoddessDo they have any nicknames, street names, titles, and noms des plumes?Pharaoh, Goddess of the Floating Nile, The Firstborn, Lady of the Two Lands, Divine of Appearance, She Who Tightens the Throat, Queen of All She SurveysWhat is her full birth name?ZesiroWhere does she live?She lives on a spacecraft designed to emulate the ancient country of Egypt in shadow Earth. The craft is nearly 600 miles long and almost 300 miles across. Ancient legends hint at the possibility of other crafts existing in the shadow, but they have not been encountered in the span of written history.Why do she live there?From as long as she remembers, she has always lived there. It is her home.What is her citizenship status?She's the pharaoh, the ruler.